HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/2014 Council Agenda PacketREGULAR COUNCILMEETING
MINUTES
11555 W. Civic Center Drive, Marana, Arizona 85653
Council Chambers, November 18, 2014at or after 7:00 PM
Ed Honea, Mayor
Jon Post, Vice Mayor
David Bowen, Council Member
Patti Comerford, Council Member
Herb Kai, Council Member
Carol McGorray, Council Member
Roxanne Ziegler, Council Member
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL. Mayor Honea
called the meeting to order at 7:03
Town Clerk Bronson
p.m.called roll. All Council Members were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION/MOMENT OF SILENCE. Mayor
Led by
Honea.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Item A1 was removed at the request of the applicant. Motion
to approve the agenda by removing item A1by Council Member Kai, second by Council
Member McGorray. Passed unanimously.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC.
At this time any member of the public is allowed to address the
Town Council on any issuewithin the jurisdiction of the Town Council, except for items
scheduled for a Public Hearingat this meeting. The speaker may have up to three minutes to
speak. Any persons wishing toaddress the Council must complete a speaker card located outside
November18, 2014 Meeting Minutes1
the Council Chambersand deliver it to the Town Clerk prior to the commencement of the
meeting. Individualsaddressing a meeting at the Call to the Public will not be provided with
electronictechnology capabilities beyond the existing voice amplification and recording
capabilities inthe facilities and the Town's overhead projector/document reader. Pursuant to the
ArizonaOpen Meeting Law, at the conclusion of Call to the Public, individual members of the
Council may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed the Council, and mayask
staff to review the matter, or may ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda.
Mayor Honea
noted that Item A1 was advertised for public hearing, and although the item was
pulled from the agenda, if any of the speakers who had submitted speaker cards wished to speak,
they were invited to do so during Call to the Public. If and when it comes back to the Council it
David Morales
will have to be re-noticed again and then another public hearing. spoke
Tom Sommerville
regardingthe state’s dwindling water reserves.spoke regarding the location
Gayle Senstrom
ofthe proposed police facility.spoke regarding the water situation and when
Len Paradise
waterwill be brought from the west side. spoke regarding the town’s vision for
John HolleySusan ParrishRon Isaacson
the future. anddeclined to speak on Item A1.spoke
regarding the Twin Peaks corridor and consideration for communities built around development.
Council Member Ziegler
asked for a point of privilege and thanked the residents who had
attendedthe meeting to speak to the item removed from the agenda for their perseverance,
patience and consideration toward the Council.
Mayor Honea
noted that Item A1was advertised for public hearing, and although the item was
pulled from the agenda, if any of the speakers who had submitted speaker cards wished to speak,
John HolleySusan Parrish
they were invited to do soduring Call to the Public. anddeclined.
Ron Isaacson
did address Council
PROCLAMATIONS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL REPORTS: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
CouncilMember Bowen
reportedon his attendance at the Veterans’ Cemetery grand opening
lastSaturday. He noted that there were at least 150, including many elected officials in
Council Member Comerford
attendance. reported on the McDonald’s ribbon cutting she
Mayor Honea
attendedon Saturday; and reported on the groundbreaking event for the Marana
Mall,the opening of the Village Inn in Arizona Pavilions, the Veterans’ Cemetery
groundbreaking and the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) conference
where he was a speaker.
MANAGER’S REPORT: SUMMARY OF CURRENT EVENTS
November18, 2014 Meeting Minutes2
Mr. Davidson
corrected a mis-statement by a speaker addressing the audience regarding videos
usedfor events used by the town. All videos produced were done in-house with no outside
expense.
PRESENTATIONS
P1 Relating to Special Events; presentation summarizing the Marana Harvest Festivaland
previewing the Marana Holiday Festival & Christmas Tree Lighting to be heldon December 6,
2014 (Vickie Hathaway)
Ms. Hathaway
gave a general recap of the first Harvest Festival held October 25, one of
Marana’snew signature events. With over 5,000 counted at both the Heritage Park and the
Gladden Farms Park, staff deemed this event a huge success, and with some modifications, they
are looking forward to next year’s event. She then gave an overview of the upcoming Holiday
Tree Lighting Festival which will be held Saturday, December 6 in the courtyard of the Marana
Municipal Complex. The event will be similar to those held in year’s past with Santa and Mrs.
Claus, snowfall and Toyland, but with expanded stages, videos of performers, light animation to
holiday music, more food trucks, a lighted tractor display and sleigh racing which all staff are
encouraged to participate in. Following the festival, a light show with music will occur each
night until Christmas at regular intervals after sunset.
CONSENT AGENDA.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda by Council Member Ziegler,
second by Vice Mayor Post. Passed unanimously.
The Consent Agenda contains items requiring action by the Council which are generallyroutine
itemsnot requiring Council discussion. A single motion and affirmative vote willapprove all
items on the Consent Agenda, including any resolutions or ordinances. Prior to amotion to
approve the Consent Agenda, any Council member may remove any item fromthe Consent
Agenda and that item will be discussed and voted upon separately.
C1 Resolution No. 2014-114: Relating to Personnel; approving an additional paidholiday on
December 26, 2014 for eligible Town of Marana employees (SuzanneMachain)
C2 Resolution 2014-115: Relating to development; approving a final plat for BoulderBridge
Pass II at Dove Mountain, Lots 89-186 and Common Areas "A" and "B"located approximately
0.2 miles north of the intersection of Dove MountainBoulevard and Boulder Bridge Pass (Steve
Cheslak)
C3 Resolution No. 2014-116: Relating to Utilities; approving and authorizing the Mayorto
execute a retroactive extension, through November 30, 2014, of the existingintergovernmental
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agreement between the Town of Marana and Pima County forprovision of water consumption
data and sewer user account billing services; andapproving and authorizing the Mayor to
execute a new intergovernmental agreement,effective December 1, 2014, between the Town of
Maranaand Pima County forprovision of water consumption data and sewer user account billing
services (FrankCassidy)
C4 Resolution No. 2014-117: Relating to Administration; approving the transfer of$80,000 in
budgeted expenditure authority from the General Fund contingency lineitem to the restricted
budget line items within various Town departments in the fiscalyear 2013-2014 budget for
unanticipated costs (Erik Montague)
C5 Ordinance No. 2014.027: Relating to Finance; amending the Town of Maranacomprehensive
fee schedule; and declaring an emergency (Jane Fairall)
C6 Approval of November 5, 2014 Regular Council Meeting Minutes (Jocelyn C.Bronson)
LIQUOR LICENSES
L1 Relating to Liquor Licenses; recommendation to the Arizona Department of LiquorLicenses
andControl regarding an application for a person transfer and locationtransfer of a series 6 Bar
liquor license submitted by Denise Marie Bora on behalf ofHome Plate located at 8579 N.
Ms. Bronson
Silverbell Road, Marana, Arizona 85743 (Jocelyn C.Bronson). Presented by , who
notedthat this application was properly posted and reviewed by town departments. No protests
were received, and staff is recommending approval. Motion to approve by Council Member
Kai, second by Council Member Ziegler. Passed unanimously.
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
B1 Resolution No. 2014-118: Relating to Boards, Commissions, and Committees;revising the
number of members, the member terms of office and the appointmentand reappointment
procedures for members of the Marana Citizens' Forum; andrevising the formal Marana
Health Vescovi-Chiordi
Citizens' Forum process (Jocelyn Bronson). Presented by , who
discussedthe proposed changes to the Forum process, including delegate terms, number of
delegates and the manner in which they are appointed, the topic selection and the increased
number of meetings per session to address all aspects of the Forum recommendations. Council
Member Bowen asked about keeping institutional knowledge on the Forum through the “termed”
Mr.
process proposed and when the Council recommendations for delegates are needed.
Vescovi
responded that he and Ms. Bronson are still in the discussion stages on that. An email
wassent out two weeks ago asking for Council recommendations. He and Ms. Bronson will be
contacting Council directly to assist with recruiting or recommendations for delegates. New
delegates should be confirmed at least twoto two weeksbefore the start of the Winter Session
November18, 2014 Meeting Minutes4
Ms. Bronson
which will begin in early January. noted that each Council Member had a proposed
changeat the dais to the exhibit in their packets regarding the number of Forum sessions.
Motion to approve by Council Member McGorray, second by Council Member Bowen. Passed
unanimously.
B2 Resolution No. 2014-119: Relating to Boards, Commissions and Committees;establishing a
special council committee to receive and review applications for andmake recommendations to
the Town Council to fill current vacancies on thePersonnel Action Review Board; and
authorizing the Mayor to appoint threemembers of the Marana Town Council to the special
committee (Suzanne Machain). Presented by Suzanne Machain noted that this resolution will
give authorization for the Mayor to appoint three Council Members to review applications for the
Personnel Action Review Board. Currently, there are two vacancies and five applications, all of
which are deemed qualified to serve. This creates the Council subcommittee which will
recommend two names to come back to the full Council for approval. Motion to approve by
Mayor Honea
CouncilMember Bowen, second by Vice Mayor Post. Passed unanimously.
Vice Mayor PostCouncil Members
asked for volunteers to serve on the subcommittee. and
McGorrayBowen
andwere appointed.
COUNCIL ACTION
A1 Ordinance No. 2014.028: Relating to Development; Approving a rezoning ofapproximately
36.79 acres of land from ‘R-144’ (Residential) to ‘F’ (Specific Plan)for the purpose of creating
the Twin Peaks Oasis Specific Plan; and approving aminor amendment to the General Plan
(Cynthia Ross). As noted prior to the approval of the agenda, this item was removed at the
request of the applicant.
A2 PUBLIC HEARING: Relating to Police Department; presentation and discussionregarding
the need for a new police facility and the funding options to pay for theproject, and the results of
Chief Rozema
community outreach efforts to date regarding the facility(Terry Rozema) noted
Mayor Honea
thatthe need for the item was brought before Council in early summer. noted
Chief Rozema
that Council was in public hearing. continued that at the meeting he mentioned, it
wasdecided that if and when a public safety facility was built it would be built at the municipal
complex facility on acreage immediately east of the complex. In August, he came back and
presented to Council the outreach plan to convey to the public what the need was and the
Council’s preference for funding. The need was based on town growthwhich will require
enhanced public safety service, site selection and why and how it would be funded if approved
by Council. The five funding options that were presented to Council were also outlined for the
public. He noted that throughout his presentations he received many positive and supportive
comments from citizens on what an incredible job the town is doing regarding growth and
advancement. Outreach included public meetings, outreach to businesses at the Chamber of
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Commerce and one-on-one meetings with business owners, social medical, TV, radio and print
Council
news, open houses and survey cards that were distributed at every public meeting.
Member Ziegler
asked for clarification as to the site location. Chief Rozema continued detailing
thepublic outreach open houses, public meetings with homeowner groups, the Chamber of
Commerce regional meetings and boards, various civic organizations, the Citizen’s Police
Academy and the Citizens’ Forum. Over 30 businesses and organizations were contacted.All
businesses were emailed encouraging them to come to the open houses. One hundred twenty
invitations were hand-delivered to businesses in the main shopping areas.Of those, about 500
peopleattended public meetings.Survey results of the 193 surveys returned resulted in 93-94
percent in support and 7 percent with concerns –not against the facility but qualified “no’s” with
concerns about the funding and when a sales tax would go away. The Chief was able to talk
about the sales tax funding for the Twin Peaks interchange that dissolved when the interchange
was completed as an example of the town’s actions to honor its commitment to citizens.
Council Member Comerford
asked when the improvements were made to the MOC for the
Chief
substation. The responded that it was 2012-2013, using RICO funds in the amount of
$68K.
Mr. Montague
Next,spoke about funding options and a dedicated sales tax. We had a
temporarydedicated sales tax for funding the Twin Peaks interchange. Dedicated sales tax in
general is not a completely foreign concept for generating revenue for specific purposes.
Indicating a chart included in the presentation, he noted that at least a dozen cities or towns in
Arizona have some form of a dedicated sales tax at this time with a purpose restriction. Should
this project move forward, Mr. Montague provided a chart of estimated net general revenue from
various collectibles. Tax collected will be variable, and we will need to be mindful of other
current resolutions for dedicated sales taxes and consistency with various development
Mayor Honea
agreements. asked if sales tax from the mall and othernew businesses were
Mr. Montague
factored into these numbers.responded that they have not been included. Under
thedevelopment agreement with the mall, the town is obligated to reimburse 45 percent of the
sales tax back to the developer to offset public infrastructure. These are things we will have to
Council Member Bowen
consider as we move forward. asked about a blended approach to
payingfor this which was talked about at one time so that the funding wouldn’t be entirely
Mr. Montague
dependent on sales tax. responded that the numbers currently do not assume that
fundingwill be 100 percent by taxes only. The numbers presented to Council tonight are only
used to show what the potential revenue stream would bring from tax revenues. The duration
will be dependent on the funding plan –either from reserves with a cash infusion or other
restricted funds. There was no focus on implementing an impact fee or bonds. At the second
public hearing or a future meeting, staff will provide additional options for the possible funding
Council Member Ziegler
plan.raised the concern that both she and Vice Mayor Post expressed
Vice Mayor Post
atone time about how the additional sales tax will affect businesses. added
thathe personally feels that the while the police facility is definitely needed, we are pushing
November18, 2014 Meeting Minutes6
thingsfaster than what we should be doing. In the last two years the town has spent considerable
money on several projects such as the sewer treatment plant. We are depending on new
construction to pay for that which has been slow, but we are still obligated for the payment. We
spent considerable monies on Twin Peaks Road which we assumed would be paid for by impact
fees from the building. While there is division on the Council as to how that will play out, the
town is still on the hook for the dollars we spent on Twin Peaks. The issue of what it does to
small businesses such as his, the five cent sales tax is $500 per month. That may not be a lot of
money for some businesses, but will either be absorbedby the business owner or passed on to the
customer which makes competition with other businesses thathave a lower tax rate or no tax
gives them comparative advantage.He thinks the timing may be off due to the uncertainty of the
economy in the near future to have the town obligate itself for another $20M in addition to what
we’re already obligated for. We do need a new policy facility due to inadequacies in the current
building and because our population is growing. He believes that new growth needs to pay its
Council Member Ziegler
way. agreed with Vice Mayor Post’s need for a new facility but also
his assessment of the burden on the town and citizens to finance another facility in light of all the
Chief Rozema
other taxes citizens are paying. again reiterated that he has received
overwhelmingsupport from the businesses he has contacted and will be making his final
presentation to the Chamber of Commerce Board, at which time they will take a vote to support
David Morales
or not. At the final public hearingstaff will present different funding options.
spoke regarding Council’s job to set policy and set a budget. He suggested building police
substationsin various locations rather than one facility, which would be less expensive, and
asked what the Council is willing to sacrifice to build a new facility. He likened this to his
admonition to Council not to get in the sewer business. He also expressed his concern that when
the current facility was built, consideration was not made for an expanded population. The key
indicators that the town is growing is when the Fry’s is built in Gladden Farms and Basha’s re-
opens at Dove Mountain, but he doesn’t see an indication of that. Mayor Honea declared the
public meeting closed.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/POSSIBLE ACTION
Relating to Legislation and Government Actions; discussion and possible actionregarding all
pendingstate, federal, and local legislation/government actions and onrecent and upcoming
Mr. Davidson
meetings of the other governmental bodies (Gilbert Davidson). indicated that in
December,staff will be working with the Council for the legislative agenda for 2015; revisiting
some issues from 2014 and new issues which we may be facing as the state grapples with large
deficits.
November18, 2014 Meeting Minutes7
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03, the Town Council may vote to go into executive session,which
will not be open to the public, to discuss certain matters.
E1Executive Session pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03 (A)(3), Council may ask fordiscussion or
consultation for legal advice with the Town Attorney concerning anymatter listed on this
agenda.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Notwithstanding the mayor’s discretion regarding the items to be placed on the agenda, ifthree
ormore Council members request that an item be placed on the agenda, it must beplaced on the
agenda for the second regular Town Council meeting after the date of therequest, pursuant to
Marana Town Code Section 2-4-2(B).
ADJOURNMENT.
Motion to adjourn by Vice Mayor Post, second by Council Member
McGorray. Passed unanimously at 8:31 p.m.
CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and correct minutes of the Marana Town Council
meeting held on November 18, 2014. I further certify that a quorum was present.
________________________________________
Jocelyn C. Bronson, Town Clerk
November18, 2014 Meeting Minutes8
MARANA ORDINANCE NO.2014.029
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION; AMENDING MARANA TOWN CODE
CHAPTER 13-2 (FINGERPRINTING AND CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECKS OF
PARKS AND RECREATION PERSONNEL AND VOLUNTEERS); AMENDING SECTION
13-2-3 (FINGERPRINTING OF CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE PARKS AND
RECREATION PERSONNEL AND VOLUNTEERS; CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD
INFORMATION) TO PROVIDE THAT FINGERPRINTING OF SPECIFIED PERSONNEL
AND VOLUNTEERS SHALL BE PERMISSIVE RATHER THAN MANDATORYAND
CLARIFYING REQUIRED FREQUENCY OF FINGERPRINTING; ADDING NEW
SECTION 13-2-4 ENTITLED “ALTERNATIVE BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS”; AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
WHEREAS the Town Council is authorized by A.R.S. §41-1750 to adopt an ordinance
authorizing the Town to receive criminal justice information from state and federal criminal
history repositories for the purpose of evaluating the fitness of current or prospective licensees,
employees, contract employees or volunteers; and
WHEREAS the Town Council finds that the regulations established by this ordinance are
necessary for the public health, safety and general welfare of the Town of Marana.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF MARANA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1.Section 13-2-3 (Fingerprinting of current and prospective parks and
recreation personnel and volunteers; criminal history record information) of the Marana Town
Code is hereby revised as follows (with deletions shown with strikeoutsand additions shown
with double underlining):
13-2-3Fingerprinting of current andprospective parks and recreation
personnel and volunteers; criminal history record information
A.Each town of Marana parks and recreation department employee, contract
employeeor volunteer who works directly with children under the age of 18
or vulnerable adults and who has not furnished a full set of fingerprints to
the town within 12 months of the effective date of this chapter, shallmaybe
required, as a condition of continued employment, within 60 days of the
effective date of this chapter and annually thereafter, tofurnish a full set of
fingerprints on a standard fingerprint card to the town. Any current
employee, contract employee or volunteer who has furnished a full set of
fingerprints to the town within 12 months of the effective date of this chapter,
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Ordinance No. 2014.029
shall not be required to furnish another set of fingerprints until 12 months
has passed since the furnishing of the fingerprints.
B.Each prospective town of Marana parks and recreation department
employee, contract employee or volunteer who will work directly with
children under the age of 18 or vulnerable adults shallmaybe required, as a
condition of hire and annually thereafter, tofurnish a full set of fingerprints
on a standard fingerprint card to the town.
C.Pursuant to A.R.S. §41-1750 and Public Law 92-544, the town shall submit all
fingerprints obtained pursuant to this chapter to the Arizona department of
public safety for the purpose of obtaining state and federal criminal history
record information. The Arizona department of public safety is authorized to
exchange this fingerprint data with the federal bureau of investigation.
D.For purposes of this section, a current or prospective parks and recreation
employee, contract employee or volunteer may furnish a full set of
fingerprints by resubmitting a previously-submitted full set of fingerprints if
Arizona department of public safety protocols allow for resubmission of the
fingerprints.
SECTION 2.New section 13-2-4 entitled “Alternativebackground investigations” is
hereby added to the Marana Town Code as follows and the section that followsisrenumbered to
conform:
13-2-4Alternative background investigations
A.The town may choose to conduct background investigations to obtain
criminalhistory record informationregarding current and prospective
employees, contract employees and volunteers covered under this chapterby
using alternative methods instead of fingerprinting. Any alternative
methods the town employsshall beat least as thoroughas the national
recreation and park association’s recommended guidelines for credentialing
volunteers.
B.If the town employs alternative background investigation methods pursuant
to this section, the town shall conduct background investigation screenings
onall employees, contract employees and volunteers covered under this
chapter on at least an annual basis.
SECTION 3.The various town officers and employees are authorized and directed to
perform all acts necessary or desirable to give effect to this ordinance.
SECTION 4.All ordinances, resolutions, or motions and parts of ordinances,
resolutions, or motions of the Council in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby
repealed, effective asof the effective date of this ordinance.
SECTION 5.If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this
ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of
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Ordinance No. 2014.029
competent jurisdiction, the decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this
ordinance.
SECTION 6.Since it is necessary for the preservation of the peace, health and safety of
the Town of Marana that this ordinance become immediately effective, an emergency is hereby
declared to exist, and this ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and
adoption.
PMCTM,
ASSED AND ADOPTED BYTHE AYOR AND OUNCIL OF THE OWN OF ARANA
nd
A, this 2day of December, 2014.
RIZONA
Mayor Ed Honea
ATTEST:APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jocelyn C. Bronson, Town ClerkFrank Cassidy, Town Attorney
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Ordinance No. 2014.029
National Recreation and Park Association
Recommended Guidelines for Credentialing Volunteers
Background Screening Practices
The National Recreation and Park Association has reviewed the resources of the National
Association of Professional Background Screeners, and sought the counsel of recognized
background screening experts to develop a set of Recommended Guidelines for
Volunteer Background Screening in park and recreation settings. The goal of these
recommendations is to make communities safe by advancing optimum volunteer
management practices. Park and recreation leaders from academic, municipal, and county
based settings have reviewed these recommendations for their relevance and
appropriateness. NRPA recommends these practices as specifications and guidelines to
consider while advocating that any volunteer background screening policy should be
reviewed by a City, County, or special park district attorney to insure compliance with
any and all local, state or federal laws. In addition, certain states have specific guidelines
regarding the reporting of criminal record information and your policies may need to be
amended in these states. A qualified background screening provider should be able to
guide you on these laws.
The saying that a “bad volunteer is better than no volunteer” is untrue and dangerous, and
should never be considered appropriate. While park and recreation departments depend
heavily upon volunteerism, failing to take any steps to screen volunteers places
organizations, volunteers, and participants at greater risk. While no screening process
can offer absolute assurance, implementing these recommended guidelines in your
screening process can engender public confidence and lessen the risk of exposure to
liability due to a lack of knowledge regarding your volunteers’ background. More
specifically, an effective screening process assists communities:
Raise public awareness of quality programs offered.
Make the safety of all participants, particularly the most vulnerable groups (children,
elderly, mentally challenged, etc.) a top priority.
Keep people who have a history of inappropriate behavior or who are unfit out of the
organization.
Select the “most qualified” volunteers and paid staff for positions.
The Screening Process
Since park and recreation departments and user groups utilizing public spaces are
responsible for maintaining safe environments within their programs, they must be aware
of the potential risks and safeguards to protect participants and the community in which a
program operates.
1
It is recommended that volunteers be considered with the same scrutiny as paid staff and
be recruited, screened, trained, supervised, and evaluated with the same rigor as paid
staff. The law in most cases does not differentiate between paid vs. volunteer staff.
Therefore, regardless of the volunteer’s responsibilities, NRPA recommends that all
volunteers be screened as though they were applying for a paid position. The time,
energy, and financial investment of prevention strategies such as conducting a proper
background screening, represents a fraction of the impact incidents such as sex abuse,
violence, neglect, or other crimes and abuses can have on your participants, organization
and community.
Comprehensive and Due Diligent Background Screening
While park and recreation professionals understand the benefits of screening volunteers,
myriad approaches and options to background screenings are used. With decades of
employment screening and related court decisions to model as common practice,
government or volunteer organizations with limited budgets are challenged to apply the
same due diligence to their background screening program. A comprehensive and due
diligent background screening practice can be an achievable benchmark for all park and
recreation agencies when positioned as a public safety or risk management issue. The
following elements are included in this screening process:
Recommended Guidelines
It is the recommendation of the National Recreation and Park Association that park and
recreation jurisdictions implement the following volunteer management guidelines for
credentialing volunteers through comprehensive background screening and photographic
identification.
The recommended guidelines call for the implementation of a comprehensive background
screening for all volunteers. The recommended guideline for comprehensive background
screening or background check is defined to include:
Social Security Verification
– Verify the name of every volunteer against the
Social Security Number provided. This helps to eliminate the possibility of
false names and/or information.
Address Trace
– Verify the current address and identify any previous address
of every volunteer. This information is utilized to determine the jurisdiction
in which the background screening is conducted.
State or County Criminal Record Check
– A Statewide or Countywide
(depending on the jurisdiction) criminal record check is performed to capture
all misdemeanor and felony convictions in that jurisdiction. The search should
be conducted in the jurisdiction with the longest and most current residency.
2
National Criminal History Data Base search
–There is no one national
record check whether through the government or private sector that identifies
every crime ever committed. However, there are now criminal history data
bases available that contain millions of criminal records and cover the much
of the United States. These data bases can be accessed and used to supplement
the local criminal history search. This is beneficial in expanding the search
should not
across the country but be used as a stand alone source for your
background screening.
Sex Offender Registry
- Search of the appropriate state sex offender
registries based on the address history. This is an important supplement to
should not
criminal history searches but be used as a stand alone source for
your background screening.
Timely results
– A background screening process should be timely and
results should be returned within 10 business days on average to allow for
proper planning and assignment of volunteers.
Complimentary Consultation
– Seek a provider committed to provide
consultation to clarify screening results and provide technical assistance and
guidance regarding updating practices.
Clarification of Recommended Guidelines
About Social Security Verification
Social Security verifications are a critical first step in the process as it helpsto
insure that the name and other personal data given by the applicant is accurate.
The verification will generally reveal the state and year the SSN was issued,
names, addresses and sometimes the date of birth that is associated with this
Social Security number.
Although it is possible to run background checks without the SSN, this will
reduce the effectiveness and limit the number of personal identifiers that can be
found in public records. To report someone’s criminal history the reporting
agency must have at least 2 matching identifiers.
Non US Citizens
– In handling background checks on individuals without Social
Security numbers, it is suggested that in place of the SSN the volunteer applicant
“No SSN”.
stateEach local organization should take appropriate measures to
insure that the name, date of birth and addresses are all valid for individuals
without Social Security numbers.
About Address History
This is part of the screening process that will help to confirm the current address
and any previous addresses of the applicant. The main purpose in collecting
address information is to determine where the local search will be performed.
3
Local Search
Depending upon the state, data sources can either be a statewide repository or a
county court house system search. Some states have state repositories that include
criminal histories from the counties or other jurisdictions in the state. If these
repositories are available, reliable and timely the state check should be used in the
local search. When a state repository is not available or not reliable then the
county court house should be used for the local search. The goal of a local search
is to uncover all misdemeanor and felony arrests and/or convictions on the
applicant.
Who will be screened?
A volunteer background screening program must include all volunteers, especially those
who will have contact or access to all vulnerable individuals (youth, elderly, disabled
individuals, etc.) in your programs. Random or select screening is dangerous, ineffective
and can lead to increased liability for your department and user groups.
How often should Background Screenings be conducted?
Each volunteer should be screened on an annual basis. The fact that someone may have a
clear background check once does not insure that they will never commit serious crimes
in the future. In one year it is entirely possible for someone to be arrested and convicted
through most of the court systems in the United States.
Confidentiality
To protect the privacy of the volunteer it is critical that each organization have a
confidentiality policy and that the policy be made known to each prospective volunteer.
The policy should include a statement of respect for the privacy of the volunteer and
should establish that information received during a volunteer’s screening process will not
be disclosed outside of the organization and will be shared within the organization only
on a “need to know” basis. This would include keeping the consent/release form which
includes personal data on the volunteer in secure locations and only in the hands of
authorized personnel. The policy which is to be made known to all prospective
volunteers, should also acknowledge that the organization might, in special
circumstances, have a duty to disclose to third parties, including government agencies,
certain types of information when the law requires.
Proper record keeping is critical as well. You must insure that the applicants screened
and results are recorded along with the date. By tracking this information you will be able
to insure 100% compliance to screening and have a formal record that can be used to
defend against any potential litigation in the future.
Flow of paperwork and responsibilities of the Parks & Recreation Department
4
It is important to set up a specific data flow that suits your department’s needs, while
insuring the utmost confidentiality of the volunteer. Limit the number of individuals
handling background screening data and publish the data flow so that there is an
increased comfort level that personal data for volunteers will not be compromised.
Below is a typical paper flow or work flow when collecting this information:
Distribute the consent/release forms to volunteers
Collect all completed (legible) consent/release forms by pre-determined dates
Send forms or data to Background Screening Company
Receive the screening results from the Background Screening Company
Make appropriate notifications on any volunteer who is disqualified
Provide the disqualified volunteer applicant with the following documents:
1.Fair Credit Reporting Act - Summary of Rights
2.Letter of disqualification
3.Copy of actual screening report (results)
Distribute volunteer credentials (ID) to all volunteers who are approved
Recommended Criteria for Exclusion
A person should be disqualified and prohibited from serving as a volunteer if the person
has been found guilty of the following crimes:
Guilty means that a person was found guilty following a trial, entered a guilty plea,
entered a no contest plea accompanied by a court finding of guilty, regardless of whether
there was an adjudication of guilt (conviction) or a withholding of guilt. This
recommendation does not apply if criminal charges resulted in acquittal, Nolle Prosse, or
dismissal.
SEX OFFENSES
All Sex Offenses
– Regardless of the amount of time since offense.
Examples include: child molestation, rape, sexual assault, sexual battery,
sodomy, prostitution, solicitation, indecent exposure, etc.
FELONIES
All Felony Violence
– Regardless of the amount of time since offense.
Examples include: murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault,
kidnapping, robbery, aggravated Burglary, etc.
All Felony offenses violencesex
other than or within the past 10 years.
:
Examples includedrug offenses, theft, embezzlement, fraud, child
endangerment, etc.
MISDEMEANORS
Allmisdemeanor violence
offenses within the past 7 years
Examples include: simple assault, battery, domestic violence, hit & run,
etc.
5
Allmisdemeanor drug & alcohol offenses
within the past 5 years or
multiple offenses in the past 10 years.
Examples include: driving under the influence, simple drug possession,
drunk and disorderly, public intoxication, possession of drug
paraphernalia, etc.
Any other misdemeanor
within the past 5 years that would be considered a
potential danger to children or is directly related to the functions of that
volunteer.
Example include:contributing to the delinquency of a minor, providing
alcohol to a minor, theft – if person is handling monies, etc.
PENDING CASES
It is recommended that anyone who has been charged for any of the disqualifying
offenses or for cases pending in court should not be permitted to volunteer until the
official adjudication of the case.
The Background Screening Process is an ongoing process and should be subject to
review and changes at any time. These guidelines are based upon industry practices in
private, public and non-profit areas. For additional information regarding background
screening practices, visit the National Association of Professional Background Screeners
at www.napbs.com
In addition to these recommended guidelines, NRPA recommends that you consult
your risk management specialist and legal counsel to ensure that all local and state
laws and practices are a part of your local policies and practices.
Recommended Guidelines for Volunteer Photo Identification
A photo identification system provides assurance that a volunteer is qualified and
authorized to provide public service. As such, you will need to enforce the use of the
photo identification badge. Volunteers should be informed of the reasons why the
volunteer photo identification badge is an important public safety tool and why they are
required to wear them at all times.
The ID provides special designation for authorized and qualified
volunteers and should instill pride among volunteers to wear a photo ID
badge.
The ID is a key component of a comprehensive risk management practice
that reflects a comprehensive public safety practice.
The ID builds trust among the public that parks and recreation is
committed to quality management practices.
The ID provides public information regarding the leadership role of parks
and recreation to make communities safe.
6
A photo identification practice serves the dual purpose of identifying volunteers as
qualified and authorized personnel and builds public awareness for quality volunteer
management practices. The system is effective when there is compliance by all
volunteers wearing their photo identification at all times of service.
The National Recreation and Park Association recommended guidelines for volunteer
photo identification includes:
1. All qualified volunteers are required to wear a photo identification badge.
2. Photo identification badges are to be displayed at all times when on official assignment
and are not to be worn or used for any other purpose than an official assignment.
3. No pins, stickers, or markings are allowed to be displayed on the ID badge. The photo
identification badge must be clearly visible to the public and should be worn between
photo clearly visible
the shoulders and waist with the .
4. If a photo identification badge is lost or stolen, it is the responsibility of the volunteer
to notify a supervisor as soon as possible to obtain a replacement badge.
5. The photo identification badge will be issued to all volunteers after the completion
of a comprehensive background check and will expire one year from that date of
issuance.
6. The photo identification badge is the property of the issuing organization and the
volunteer must be rescinded upon service completion or termination.
7. It is the duty of every qualified volunteer to report any volunteer failing to properly
display their credential to their supervisor.
Volunteer badges should be durable consisting of hard plastic card stock. The volunteer
badges should include information that specifically identifies agency information and
basic information about the qualified volunteer, including:
current photograph of the volunteer, the
agency name
first name and last name
date of expiration
State
volunteer identification number or status
agency return address
Optional notation of special training such as CPR
Additional Recommendations:
7
Photo identification badges should have distinguishing colors and be changed on
an annual basis to assist in detecting any unauthorized use of discarded or
outdated badges.
Volunteers should be informed that lending their photo identification badge to
someone is not permitted at any time.
Volunteers shall not have more than one Identification Badge in his or her
possession at any one time.
National Recreation and Park Association
NRPA is currently partnered with First Advantage, a global leader in background
screening services. This partnership will provide NRPA members with access to a
comprehensive, market-leading selection of criminal background checks, verification and
qualification services, motor vehicle record reports and much more. For additional
information please contact customerservice@nrpa.org
NRPA worked with industry experts to provide a comprehensive resource to improve the
volunteer management practice. Southeast Security Consultants, TSS Photography, and
DMP Consulting joined with NRPA to develop these guidelines.
National Recreation and Park Association
The is a national not-for-profit organization
dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of
life for all people. Through its network of some 30,000 recreation and park professionals
and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives,
and conservation of natural and cultural resources.
Headquartered in Ashburn, Va., NRPA works closely with local, state, and national
recreation and park agencies, citizen groups and corporations to carry out its objectives.
Priorities include advocating favorable legislation and public policy; continuing
education for park and recreation professionals and citizens; providing professional
certification, university accreditation, research and technical assistance; and increasing
public awareness of the importance of parks and recreation.
8
MARANA RESOLUTION NO. 2014-120
RELATING TO PERSONNEL; APPROVINGAND ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE
TOWN’S PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, REVISING CHAPTER 2 -EM-
PLOYMENT PROCESS
WHEREAS Chapter 3-3 of the Marana Town Code provides that the Town Council may
adopt personnel policies, rules, and regulations that follow the generally accepted principles of
good personnel administration and which may be modified or changed from time to time; and
WHEREAS the Town Council adopted Personnel Policies and Procedures via Town of
Marana Ordinance 99.12 and Resolution 99-38 on May 18, 1999; and
WHEREAS the Council finds that adoption of the amendments to the Town’s Personnel
Policies and Procedures as set forth in this resolution is in the best interests of the Town and its
employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF MARANA, ARIZONA,as follows:
SECTION1.Chapter 2of the Town’s Personnel Policies and Procedures, entitled “Em-
ployment Process” is hereby amended as set forth in Exhibit A attached to this resolution, with
deletions shown with strikeoutsand additions shown with double underlining.
SECTION 2.All ordinances, resolutions, or motions and parts of ordinances, resolu-
tions, or motions of the Council in conflict with the provisions of this resolutionare hereby re-
pealed, effective as of the effective date of this resolution.
SECTION 3. The Town’s manager and staff are hereby directed and authorized to under-
take all other and further tasks required or beneficial to carry out the terms, obligations, and ob-
jectives of the aforementioned amendments.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Marana, Arizona,
this 2ndday of December, 2014.
Mayor Ed Honea
ATTEST:APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jocelyn C. Bronson, Town ClerkFrank Cassidy, Town Attorney
Resolution No. 2014-120
CHAPTER 2
EMPLOYMENT PROCESS
POLICY 2-6 REFERENCE CHECK AND BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
It is the policy of the Town to carefully investigate the backgrounds of all prospective applicants
selected for employment to ensure that the relevant facts about an applicant’s employment
history and personal background have not been misstated, either on the employment
application or resume or during the job interview, and to determine the applicant’s fitness for
the position.
Section 2-6-1 Procedure
A.After an applicant has been selected for employment, the Human Resources staff will
conduct employment verification and reference checks on the applicant. Parts of the
reference check may be delegated to the hiring department.
B.Human Resources Department staff shall also conduct a thorough and comprehensive
background investigation of applicants selected for employment which may include, but
is not limited to, any of the following:
1.State or county criminal records search
2.Multi-state/national criminal database search
3.Federal criminal records search
4.Education verification
5.Employment verification
6.Motor Vehicle Department record search
7.Professional license and credential verification
8.Sex offender registry search
9.Social Security verification
10,Address trace
11. Character and/or personal reference checks
C.ThePoliceDepartmentpersonnelwill alsoconduct an employment verification,and
reference checkand background investigationas part of its process of qualifying Police
Department candidates before selection.
C.Certain safety-sensitive positions may be designated by the Human Resources
Department to undergo a thorough background check by the Police Department.
Exhibit A to Marana Resolution No. 2014-120
{00040322.DOCX / 2}
CHAPTER 2
EMPLOYMENT PROCESS
D.Applicants are required to sign aall necessaryreleasesfor employment verification,
reference checks and background investigationsauthorizing the respective employer or
educational institution to release the appropriate information to the Town.
E.Background investigations of Parks and Recreation Department employees covered
under Marana Town Code Chapter 13-2 shall comply with the requirements set forth in
that chapter.Results of the reference check and/or background check will help
determine the applicant’s fitness for the position.
F.Some applicants may also be required to submit fingerprints as set forth in Policy 2-8.
Exhibit A to Marana Resolution No. 2014-120
{00040322.DOCX / 2}
CHAPTER 2
EMPLOYMENT PROCESS
POLICY 2-8 FINGERPRINTING
Section 2-8-1 Affected Positions
Candidates for employment in the following positions shallmay be required, as a condition
of hire, tofurnish a full set of fingerprints on a standard fingerprint card to the town.
A.Positions in which the employees’ job duties include unsupervised contact with minor
children.
B.Parks and recreation department positions in which the employees work directly with
children under the age of 18 or vulnerable adults. For purposes of this policy,
“vulnerable adult” shall be defined as set forth in the Marana Town Code.
C.All police department positions.
D.Positions in the Marana Municipal Court, in accordance with any applicable Arizona
Supreme Court administrative ordersor directives.
Section 2-8-2 Procedures
A.All fingerprints furnished pursuant to this policy shall be submitted to the Arizona
Department of Public Safety through the Marana Police Department. The Arizona
Department of Public Safety is authorized to exchange this fingerprint data with the
Federal Bureau of Investigation pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1750 and Public Law 92-544for
the purpose of obtaining state and federal criminal history record information.
B.The results of the criminal history record information checks shall beprovided to and
maintained by the Human Resources Department.
C.Criminal history record information obtained by the Town pursuant to this policy shall
be used only for the purpose of evaluating the fitness of prospective employees. The
tTownshall comply with all relevant state and federal rules and regulations regarding
the dissemination of criminal history record information.
Section 2-8-3 Failure to Comply
A.Any potentialprospectiveemployee who is subject to the requirements ofthis policy
and who failsto agreeto be fingerprinted when required by the Townshall have his or
her offer ofnot be offeredemployment with the Townrescinded.
B.Any current employee who is subject to the requirements ofthis policy who fails to
agreeto be fingerprinted when required by the Townshall be subject to immediate
Exhibit A to Marana Resolution No. 2014-120
{00040322.DOCX / 2}
CHAPTER 2
EMPLOYMENT PROCESS
termination. Termination of an employee under this section supersedes the progressive
discipline policiesset forth in Policy 5-5in the Discipline System Policy.
Exhibit A to Marana Resolution No. 2014-120
{00040322.DOCX / 2}
MARANA RESOLUTION NO. 2014-121
RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION; APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF UP TO $800,000
IN BUDGETED EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FROM THE GENERAL FUND
CONTINGENCY LINE ITEM TO THEHERITAGE PARK, SPLASH PAD PROJECT IN THE
FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015BUDGET FOR EXPENSES RELATEDTO THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SPLASH PAD AT THE MARANA HERITAGE RIVER PARK
WHEREAS A.R.S. § 9-276 authorizes the Town of Marana to lay out and establish Town
parks andpursuant to this authoritythe Town has established the Marana Heritage River Park;
and
WHEREAS Initiative 5 of the Heritage focus area in the Marana Strategic Plan II is to
develop the Marana Heritage River Parkand Initiative 1 of the Recreation focus area is to devel-
op quality parks and recreational amenities; and
WHEREAS on March 5, 2013, the Town Council approved the Marana Heritage River
Park Master Concept Site Planwhich included construction of a splash pad; and
WHEREAS on June 17, 2014, the Town Council adopted the fiscal year 2014-2015
budgetary document and overall financial plan which set the legal level of budgetary control at
the department level for the General Fund and at the fund level for all other funds; and
WHEREAS the fiscal year 2014-2015 budget included $2,000,000 placed into the Gen-
eral Fund contingency line itemand earmarked for the development of the MaranaHeritage Riv-
er Park; and
WHEREAS the Town Council desires to transfer budgeted expenditure authority of up to
$800,000from the General Fund contingency line item to the Heritage Park, Splash Pad project
forexpenses related tothe construction of the splash pad; and
WHEREAS transferring budgeted expenditure authority from the contingency fund of up
to $800,000within fiscal year 2014-2015will not significantly impact the General Fund; and
WHEREAS reallocations of budgeted expenditure authoritybetween the contingency line
item in the General Fund to other line items are necessary from time to time; and
WHEREAS the Council finds that the reallocationaddressed by this resolution isin the
best interest of the Town of Marana and its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF MARANA, ARIZONA, AS FOLLOWS:
-1 -
Marana Resolution No. 2014-121
SECTION 1. The transfer ofup to$800,000in budgeted expenditure authority from the
General Fund's budgeted contingency line item to the Heritage Park, SplashPad project in the
fiscal year 2014-2015budget for expenses related to theconstruction of the splash pad at the Ma-
rana Heritage River Parkis hereby approved.
SECTION 2. The Town’s Manager and staff are hereby directed and authorized to under-
take all other and further tasks required or beneficial to carry out the terms, obligations, and ob-
jectives of this resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
MARANA, ARIZONA, this 2ndday of December,2014.
Mayor Ed Honea
ATTEST:APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jocelyn C. Bronson, Town ClerkFrank Cassidy, Town Attorney
-2 -
Marana Resolution No. 2014-121